As the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak continues to impact our world in profound ways, the Dispute Resolution Center is committed to keeping you informed about our response to service provision for our community.

While the DRC office is currently closed to the public, our Conflict Resolution Resource line remains operational between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

These are trying times and you may be experiencing need for our services.  We are committed to supporting our community now and in the future - increasing understanding, identifying shared interests, focusing on the things which link us, and encouraging creative problem-solving.

We are currently scheduling mediation and training services for mid-May and beyond, some of which may be offered in a virtual setting.  We have been and will continue to adapt our response, as necessary, with our community’s health and safety being our primary interest and concern.

We are actively monitoring the latest recommendations and directives of our local and state authorities and we encourage you to stay informed: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus.

Questions?  Contact us at info@mediatethurston.org or call (360) 956-1155.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and support.
Jody M. Suhrbier
Executive Director

The Dispute Resolution Center takes the safety of our clients, volunteers and staff very seriously and want to share with you updated information on how we are responding to the continually evolving Coronavirus/COVID-19 public health situation.

The DRC office is currently closed to the public.  Staff are maintaining modified business hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for our Conflict Resolution Resource Line and we are currently scheduling in-person mediation and training services for mid-May and beyond.

We have been and will continue to adapt our response, as necessary, with our community’s health and safety being our primary interest and concern.

We are actively monitoring the latest recommendations and directives of our local and state authorities and we encourage you to stay informed: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus.

Questions?   Contact us at info@mediatethurston.org or call (360) 956-1155.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and support.
Jody M. Suhrbier
Executive Director

Out of concern for the health and well-being of our DRC Family, supporters and the broader community, and in compliance with the ban on large events aimed at mitigating the growing spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19, the DRC has canceled our April 5th signature fund-raising event, The Toast.
 
We also anticipate that the growing current public health situation will negatively impact our ability to provide mediation, facilitation and training services in the coming weeks.  The potential loss of both fundraising and service revenue will strain our capacity to serve our community going forward.  Therefore, it is especially urgent that we raise the funds that normally would have come from The Toast - our most important fundraising activity - in other ways.

Please show your support for the DRC's vital services by making a special gift today.

I hope you will also consider making a monthly sustaining gift via a recurring monthly charge to your credit card.

If you prefer to give by check, please mail your gift to:
Dispute Resolution Center, P.O. Box 6184, Olympia, WA 98507.

​Your contribution will help us:
- maintain our capacity to serve our community - in 2020 and the years ahead;
- provide mediation services to individuals and families for whom cost is a barrier;
- offer training and support to local schools, which help the next generation communicate through conflict; and,
- recruit, train and support volunteers - the heart and soul of our organization

Your investment in our work and mission in these challenging times is more critical - and more appreciated - than ever.
Thank you!
Jody M. Suhrbier
Executive Director

The Dispute Resolution Center takes the safety of our clients, volunteers and staff very seriously and want to share with you updated information on how we are responding to the continually evolving ​Coronavirus/COVID-19 public health situation.

The DRC is currently maintaining regular business hours and scheduling services, with some modifications.  We have  made the decision to cancel or postpone several trainings, and are cancelling our April 5th fundraiser, TheToast.  For information on the status of specific trainings, please contact us at info@mediatethurston.org or call (360) 956-1155.
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​We continue to emphasize the need for staff, volunteers and clients to adhere to infection control protocols that are in place, including:

• staying home, if sick;
• reviewing and abiding by posted reminders on effective hand-washing technique;
• utilizing social distancing throughout the office and in Thurston County Courts;
• using hand and surface sanitization products onsite and in Thurston County Courts; and,
• adopting a ‘no handshake or hug’ practice. 

We are developing contingency plans to prepare for changing circumstances, which may include reduced office hours, and further cancellation or postponement of mediations, facilitations, trainings and events. 
 
We are actively monitoring the latest recommendations and directives of our local and state authorities and we encourage you to stay informed: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus.

At this time, we are reminded of our deep need as individuals to connect and communicate, especially in stressful times.  While it is true that we need to be creative in our ways of connecting at this time, we still must provide and seek support from one another.  The work of a community mediation center such as ours is rooted in our belief that our strength in connections inform our resilience as individuals and as a community.  None of us is operating in isolation.  Together, we can commit to continuous communication, to creative problem solving, and importantly, to seeking understanding and common ground. 
 
Questions?  Let us know.  Thank you for your patience, understanding and support.
 
Jody M. Suhrbier
Executive Director

The Dispute Resolution Center takes the safety of our clients, volunteers and staff very seriously and want to share with you how we are responding to the continually evolving ​Coronavirus/COVID-19 public health situation.

The DRC is currently maintaining regular business hours and scheduling services as usual. 
​We have placed some common sense infection control protocols into place, including providing posted reminders on effective hand-washing technique as well as providing hand and surface sanitation options for use onsite and in Small Claims Court.  We are encouraging  a 'no handshake' practice during meditations for the time being.

We are developing contingency plans to prepare for changing circumstances, which may include reduced  office hours, and possible postponement of mediations, facilitations, trainings and events.  We will communicate with clients regarding cancellation policies and adopt a flexible approach to ensure both client and volunteer health needs are addressed within this changing landscape.  We are actively monitoring Washington State Department of Health, as well as, Thurston County Public Health Department recommendations.  We will announce any program or operational changes through all of our regular channels including email, social media and our website.

Questions?  Please contact Jody Suhrbier, DRC Executive Director, at (360) 956-1155 or email info@mediatethurston.org 

Infection Control Practices for Clients, Volunteers and Staff

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To help prevent the spread of infection and protect the health of our clients, volunteers and staff - as well as the wider community - please follow these infection control practices:

• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  Handwashing guidelines are posted in the DRC office and restrooms.

• Avoid touching your face, especially with unwashed hands.

• Avoid people who are sick. Steer clear of illnesses if at all possible.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes and dispose of tissues in a waste bin.

• Clean things. Disinfect objects and surfaces often. Conciliators and mediators, avail yourselves of the resources at-hand when starting a shift or a session.

• Stay home if you're sick.

• Stay informed. Follow and share trusted sources of accurate public health information:

             https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus